INFORMATION, MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
People in the 21st century live in a technology and media-suffused environment, marked by various characteristics, including: 1) access to an abundance of information, 2) rapid changes in technology tools, and 3) the ability to collaborate and make individual contributions on an unprecedented scale. To be effective in the 21st century, citizens and workers must be able to exhibit a range of functional and critical thinking skills related to information, media and technology.


INFORMATION LITERACY

Access and Evaluate Information
  • Access information efficiently (time) and effectively (sources)
  • Evaluate information critically and competently

Use and Manage Information
  • Use information accurately and creatively for the issue or problem at hand
  • Manage the flow of information from a wide variety of sources
  • Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information

MEDIA LITERACY

Analyze Media
  • Understand both how and why media messages are constructed, and for what purposes
  • Examine how individuals interpret messages differently, how values and points of view are included or excluded, and how media can influence beliefs and behaviors
  • Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of media

Create Media Products
  • Understand and utilize the most appropriate media creation tools, characteristics and conventions
  • Understand and effectively utilize the most appropriate expressions and interpretations in diverse, multi-cultural environments

ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) LITERACY

Apply Technology Effectively
  • Use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate and communicate information
  • Use digital technologies (computers, PDAs, media players, GPS, etc.), communication/networking tools and social networks appropriately to access, manage, integrate, evaluate and create information to successfully function in a knowledge economy
  • Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information technologies

Tools for Information, Media, and Technology Skills:
  • Search engines and strategies
  • Spreadsheet and graphing software
  • Online sources
  • Print resources
  • Digital images
  • Web publishing software
  • Brainstorming software
  • Graphics software (drawing, painting, image editing)
  • Multimedia resources (clip art, video, sound, animations)
  • CAI and simulation software
  • Videoconferencing and interactive TV
  • TV, Video, and DVD
  • GIS & GPS tools
  • Collaboration tools (wikis, listservs, email, asynchronous conferencing, chat)
  • Blogs (text and video)
  • Podcasts






Technology & ToolsTechnological literacy is knowledge about what technology is, how it works, what purposes it can serve, and how it can be used efficiently and effectively to achieve specific goals. Effective use of real-world tools (e.g., hardware, software, networking, and peripheral devices used by Information Technology (IT) workers to accomplish 21st century work) is using these tools to communicate, collaborate, solve problems, and accomplish tasks, an essential component of job readiness, citizenry, and life skills.
Interactive Communication
Interactive communication is the generation of meaning through exchanges using a range of contemporary tools, transmissions, and processes. In today’s wired, networked society, it is critical that students learn to communicate effectively using a range of media, technology, and environments.

Cultural CompetenceStudents who are culturally competent value diversity, exhibit an informed sensitivity, and actively engage with/in other cultures. In order to work cooperatively with individuals from vastly different backgrounds, students must have opportunities to learn about, appreciate, and understand the beliefs and values that drive them.
Global AwarenessGlobal awareness is the recognition and understanding of interrelationships among international organizations, nationstates, public and private economic entities, socio-cultural groups, and individuals across the globe.